Red Bishop

Order:    Passeriformes                                                                          Family: Estrididae                                               

Scientific name:   Euplectes orix                                                          U.S. common name: Red bishop

Geographic range currently: Widespread throughout Africa

Habitat: Open grasslands, green field crops, marshes, and bushes near water.

 

 

Size

 

General range                       male                                       female                                                    birth

 

Head & tail length:                                  1400 mm                                                                                                                                            

Sexual dimorphism: Male bright red above with pale brown wings and tail. Face (including forehead), lower breast and belly black. Female and young are

                                     brown, sparrow-like, heavily streaked black, buff and brown above, buff below with fine streaking on breast and flanks.

 

Reproduction

 

Incubation period: 14 days

Courtship: Polygamous by nature, the male red bishop builds the framework for several nests which are then carefully lined by the hens before they

                    move in. The nests are pouch-shaped and are hung in tall grasses. There is an entrance funnel on the side of the nest. 3 - 5 eggs are usually laid.

Brood/year: Usually two per year.

Sexual maturity: Male does not acquire his courtship plumage until he is 2-3 years old.

Other information: Nest in colonies in reedbeds. Each male has a territory of a few square meters where he may build up to a dozen nests.

                       

 

General

 

 

Unique behavior(s): These birds are found in flocks. Very active, busy birds and very noisy at times.  The male has a complicated variety of chatters, hisses,

                                    rattles, and zik notes at the nest. Flight call is a cheat-cheat.

Coloration: Male bright red above with pale brown wings and tail. Face (including forehead), lower breast and belly black. Female and young are brown,

                      sparrow-like, heavily streaked black, buff and brown above, buff below with fine streaking on breast and flanks.

Diet: Cereal crops, grains, seeds, insects. Although it will occasionally eat insects, it relies far more on grains for its diet than do other weaver  birds.

 

 

 

 

Sources

Alden, Peter C. et al. 1995. National Audubon Society Field Guide to African Wildlife.  Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York.